Correctional Services and Pre-trial Detention Completed

Establishment of training centre infrastructure and model prison blocks for training opportunities in the Olaine prison territory

Latvian Prison Administration ·Latvia

€14m

Grant awarded

Correctional Services

Programme

1 July 2019

Signed

About this project

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 2000px"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="https://grace.eeagrants.org/backend/api/dms/picture/download/2dc24fb8-89da-4e67-a416-4231f1f7679f" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 2px; float: left; height: 281px; width: 400px"></td> <td> The Project constributes to the Programme outcome "Improved correctional services". During the last decade, there have been considerable changes in the Correctional Service system in Latvia (Latvian Prison Administration and State Probation Service). The pre-defined project will contribute to an improved correctional system in Latvia by establishing a training centre and developing the technical design of a model prison block for training in the Olaine prison area. The Project will be part of a model, which reflects the functioning of the whole justice chain, with a special focus on alternative sanctions. In addition to the investments in the new infrastructure, an effective training system will be developed for the employees of the Latvian Prison Administration and the State Probation Service to ensure modern and effective staff training in line with identified needs. The introduction of advanced working methods in the correctional service will ensure sustainability, which is likely to positively impact recidivism rates and promote re-socialization. </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="https://grace.eeagrants.org/backend/api/dms/picture/download/18abe087-a11a-48e1-9e7d-8a1cabaa33c7" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 2px; float: left; height: 175px; width: 400px"></td> <td> The pre-defined project will include, inter alia, the following activities: -Construction of the Training Centre and the development of the technical design of model prison block; - Improvement and development of normative acts; - Approbation of staff training programmes in the newly constructed infrastructure; - Project management and publicity. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Bilateral cooperation results

Bilateral cooperation within the project can be assessed as strong and of a high standard. The cooperating institutions have remained nearly unchanged for the second funding period, fostering a close and trust-based relationship. The donor states project partners are Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Services, Norwegian Correctional Service Academy (KRUS), Romerike Prison, and, since 2023, the Oslo Red Cross (Network ahter imprisonment). The main outcomes of bilateral cooperation in the project are the training programmes implemented for prison staff, including the establishment of the Contact Person System, Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions, and the development of the Mentoring System. As part of these activities, representatives from KRUS and Romerike Prison frequently visited Latvia to conduct training for correctional staff. These sessions involved a broad range of personnel, including management-level staff, ensuring that the impact of Norwegian grant contributions is recognized across most Latvian prisons. Additionally, the partners developed customized training videos on dynamic security and essential prison skills and knowledge. These videos can be used in training sessions for Latvian prison staff, allowing the content to reach a wide audience. The training programmes have been deemed so valuable that, even after the project's completion in April 2024, they continue to be funded through the Bilateral Fund till the end of April 2025. Project implementation would not have been possible without bilateral cooperation. However, beyond necessity, this partnership has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience, providing learning opportunities for both the beneficiary and donor states. The Latvian Prison Administration Training Centre plans to invite guest lecturers, including Norwegians, especially given its already established connections with KRUS instructors. In the Financial Mechanism Office's evaluation of bilateral cooperation, the Correctional Services Programme received the highest rating - 7 points - for cooperation, trust, and partnership satisfaction.

Project partners

Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Service Donor project partner· Norway
The University College of the Norwegian Correctional Service (KRUS) Donor project partner· Norway
Romerike prison Donor project partner· Norway
Oslo Red Cross Network after Imprisonment Donor project partner· Norway

Latvia country profile Other projects in this programme Project website